This just in…

Hurry! Get your Kindle copy of Alison Kent’s newest release — free!!!

~ With Extreme Pleasure will be available in the Kindle ebook format until November 24.

~ And the even better news is you don’t have to own a Kindle to get your free copy!

~ You can download — free! — Amazon’s Kindle for PC and read Kindle books on your computer!

~ So what are you waiting for! Time’s awastin’!

Consider yourself flashed.

Originally this was titled C is for Cookie… (And for stream of consciousness) -but I was told my subjects/titles need to be more content relevant. Who woulda thunk. So I’m trying to rein in my randomness and be a good girl. There you have it.

A “friend” described me as “[having the] focus and attention similar to that of a butterfly; memory and clarity of general explanations reminiscent of the movie Memento.” Well first he said gnat, but I wasn’t happy about that- and actually I hate butterflies (I hate all insects) but I know people generally like them so I guess I’ll live with it. I’ve also never seen Memento so I don’t quite know how to feel about this description.

C also is for an average/good book at TGTBTU. There. I’ve had my broken record moment. I almost titled this post “Give it to Me, Baby.” But then I figured Offspring was best left sprung. Maybe.

MORE IMPORTANTLY. I’m thinking about getting an e-reader. A number of books are in e-format, etc, and well, I hate reading off my computer screen. The back light contributes to my bursting capillaries (gross, I know but it happens so I just can’t let go of the concept and I’m also not thinking too hard about it). And then back pain from car accidents, and so on. And wanting to read upside down and/or in bed.

So, suggestions? I know everyone loves their Amazon Kindle, but let me be blunt. I’m poor. I’ve got those pesky things called student loans. (But last I heard/checked, Barack Obama does too – so I’m in good company… right?!) I could buy nearly 67 Chipotle burritos (and that’s with the new higher prices) with the money. And considering a burrito is a minimum of 2 meals for me, that could potentially be food for 4.5 months. And if I had to eat the same thing for 4.5 months I’d be so sick of it I’d stop (eating)- so really we’re talking maybe 5-6 months. (Or you know, 4-7 months worth of Subway, assuming I could stomach it daily.) Not only that, but I’m holding out hope for a 1) lowered price and 2) second generation Kindle. They have to come out with a newer, better, shinier, PRETTIER model at some point, don’t they? Soonish?

I considered the Sony e-reader, but wasn’t 100% impressed. A friend has one and it’s small and shiny and pretty, but the page lag would annoy me on my bad days. The ones where I want to throw a book across the room. So I’m also waiting/crossing my fingers on that being solved. Also cnet‘s review gave me pause and was slightly confusing.I know a lot of people have talked about this – but see the above butterfly comment. . *I also have to admit – since writing this post, I’ve become quite enamored with the Sony e-reader. A red one. The lag still I think would drive me batty. But it would be so much better than thinking I’ve broken my spine and permanently paralyzed myself while trying to read books on my laptop. [Honestly bad things happen and my body protests vehemently.]

I do love my print books. LOVE. (E ink might be the selling point really.) I also like keeping all my books new. Pristine. Able to be traded with a new bookstore copy no problem. I experiences flashes of great sorrow when I accidentally crease a cover or… heaven forbid, step on a book. (Which happens a lot, unfortunately.) I suppose an e-reader would prevent such travesties.

And most importantly – I know a lot of you with e-readers feel very strongly about them. If I’m going to be dropping ~$400.00 I’d like to be sure. Convince me. Cajole me – which one should I buy, and why? Of course – I’m also depending on your superior knowledge and wisdom in guiding me in this large, and very important purchase. Oh – and marketing reps comments are welcome too – I wouldn’t want to preclude you from doing your jobs.

Ready? Set? GO!!! … and also – thank you in advance

***Ok – so sometimes it can be a good thing for my ponderings to not be posted quickly. In the ~two months since – I’ve finally found the news. This may not be news to you and in fact old hat – but it’s the first “proof” I’ve seen. Finally- finally with all the rumors we’ve been hearing, Amazon has the Kindle 2. Ok so its not available yet. But with the leaked pictures, it should be coming out soon. Everyone remember when the G1 Kindle pics were leaked? (Yeah, my reaction was “eeeuuuwww.”) Sadly, v2 while a bit more appealing looks like a TI graphic calculator on steroids. Honest – I had a bad flashback to Calc AP. And its even larger than the 1st Kindle. What is going on here? The Sony is much prettier. But then they did mess up a bit on the PRS 700BC. I can’t afford that anyway – so I was thinking the Sangria Red 505. But most my ebooks are in Mobipocket. And now G2 Kindle – but it’s uggleee. (Yes, yes I can be coerced into buying things because they’re prettier. And so can you. Just check Apple sales. And hello, Ipod, anyone?) What’s a girl to do?!?

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I’ve resigned myself to never being able to have “hot” news – but I can’t think of other graphics for that last bit. So – I’ll continue to add on. For those of you who are all mad about having recently purchased a Kindle (but not yet receiving it) – try contacting Amazon. You have a number of options. You could cancel your order. You could hope that the Kindle has been sold out for so long because Amazon has been phasing out the G1 and you’ll get a G2. Or you might get a G1 with a discount or refund. Or you might not. There are a few games tech geeks play with varying degrees of success. But to play it safe – ask Amazon, and otherwise, cancel and wait.

This just in…

Amazon’s at it again. Another freebie for your Kindle!

~ Blood of Eden by Edward Morris is the free title this time around.  This is the first installment in his exciting new Arkadia trilogy.

~ Get your copy here.

~ The book was previously published, but has been substantially revised and re-edited for Samhain Publishing.

Consider yourself flashed.

This just in…

If you’ve read any of my reviews for Lorelei James’ McKay family series, you know I’ve had a darn tootin’ good time with every book she’s written in the series.  If you’re a cowboy lover, Ms. James knows how to write’em, from that cowboy swagger to their smooth talkin’, lovin’ ways. I just finished the latest book in the series and, once again, had one heck of a time with it. Here’s your chance to try the first McKay story for free if you’re a Kindle user.

~ Amazon is offering up Long Hard Ride, the first book in the series, free.  Read a little about the book:

Summary:

One lucky woman-three sexy cowboys…she’s in for the ride of her life! Channing Kinkaid itches for a change; a wild western adventure with an untamed man. Determined to shed her inhibitions and embrace the steamier, seamier side of life, she sets her sights on hooking up with a real chaps-and-spurs-wearing cowboy. Enter Colby McKay — bull rider, saddle bronc buster and calf roper. From the moment he sets lust-filled eyes on the sweet and fiery Channing, he knows he’s found the woman who-s up to the challenge of cutting loose. What rough and rowdy cowboy could resist a no-holds-barred sexual romp with a sassy young thing starring as his personal buckle bunny?

Intrigued by Channing’s bold proposition of horsing around on the road, Colby impulsively sweetens the deal; sexual escapades not only in his bed, but in the bedrolls of his rodeo traveling partners, Trevor and Edgard.

Although Channing’s secretly longed to be the sole focus of more than one man’s passions, Colby’s demand for complete submission behind closed doors will test her willful nature.

Can Channing give up total control? Especially when not all is as it seems with the sexy trio? Or will the cowboys have to break out the bullropes and piggin’ string to break in this headstrong filly?

Read an excerpt.

~ Be sure to check out my review of the current book in the series, Rough, Raw and Ready!

~  So fire your Kindle up and get ready for some bronc ridin’, family shenanigans, and some tantalizin’ lovin’ and go along for a ride like you’ve never had before!  Go here to get your free Kindle copy now!

Consider yourself flashed.

This just in…

Samhain isn’t finished with ya’ll yet for this holiday season. 

~ December 28 is Samhain giving away Kindle download! For those of you who are Kindle-ized already, on Sunday you can go here and download a free copy of Oleander House by Ally Blue. This runs through January 4, 2009.

~ Have you downloaded all the free ebooks Samhain has given away this Christmas season?

~ If not, they’re waiting for you over at The Samhellion.   Don’t delay.  The Twelve Days of Christmas are nearly gone!

Consider yourself flashed.

This just in…

Anya Bast is having one sinful celebration for the October release of her latest book, The Chosen Sin. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

~ Up for grabs: Grand prize: $100 gift card to Borders; First runner up: $50 GC from Amazon.com; Second runner up: $25 GC from Barnes & Noble; Third runner up: $25 GC from Barnes & Noble

~ Plus a chance to win a book six days a week for through her October 7 release date.

~ Everything blows wide open September 11 on Anya’s blog.

~ Be sure to read an excerpt of The Chosen Sin and preorder your copy because the book sounds as good as the contest!

Consider yourself flashed.

This just in…

Susan Crandall has taken the plunge into romantic suspense and her first book in the genre has just been released by Forever today!  Read on for more details…

• Pitch Black is available as of today, 27 May 2008, at Amazon.com and most major book clubs.
• “I think this book combines the best of all worlds: strong characters, page turning excitement, and a wonderful love story,” Susan said.
• For more inforation about the book, check it out here.

Consider yourself flashed.

From the “OMG That’s So Freakin’… uh… NOT All That Exciting” News File:

Last month Random House made the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that they would begin selling their audio books DRM-free “As of March 1, the house ‘will no longer require that our retail partners use DRM when selling audiobooks via digital download. We believe that this move will allow for healthy competition among retailers targeting the iPod consumer without posing any substantive increase in risk of piracy.’”

Now, the New York Times is reporting that more publishers such as Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster are announcing their own move to DRM-free audio books. And booksellers, such as the Borders Group, are showing more interest in sales of audio book downloads.

I’ve never thought of audio books as using DRM, just ebooks. But IF I understand this correctly (and I checked with Teddypig to make sure I did; DRM for ebooks is one of his hot buttons), then the fact that all the downloadable audio books that I personally own can only be downloaded in digital format through either Audible’s Audio Manager or Overdrive Media Manager (Brilliance Audio) software means they are using DRM. Yes, I know— DUH! Of COURSE that’s DRM, Bev! But here’s why I wasn’t sure— once I’ve downloaded them, I can burn them to CDs, download them to any MP3 player, and even upload from those forms to another PC.

So, if audio books are protected by DRM, just what is DRM protecting?! What’s the freakin’ fuss about? Really, this is pretty much just a big announcement that this is business as usual minus the need to jump thru a hoop or two, right? Besides, I kind of LIKE those download managers.

For me, the most exciting news in all that non-news is that I can buy downloadable audio books from emusic. Never heard of them before and never would have guessed they sold audio books, [Shut up! I still use the word “album”] but I’m always on the lookout for new ways to feed my audio book addiction.

I am wondering, however, if all these announcements are going to throw a monkey wrench into Amazon’s plans. Amazon’s recent acquisition of Audible, combined with their purchase of Brilliance Audio last May, raised all kinds of warning flags for me. With Amazon virtually controlling the audio book market, they could potentially set prices wherever they damn well please. Maybe even lower prices for their Kindle audio format (yep, THAT’S what the earphone jack is for) with higher prices for other formats.

If the most immediate benefit to downloadable audio books going DRM-free is that there will soon be even more outlets for purchase, then Amazon will have no choice but to keep their prices competitive. Who knows, they might even LOWER prices to maintain their competitive edge! As long as that means that audio book producers don’t have to lower their production standards, than I think we are about to see audio books explode in popularity. I think it’s been their relatively high price in comparison to print or ebook that has kept consumers away. Teddypig tells me that DRM adds to the price, so really, there should be no excuse for the high prices I see for many downloadable audio books, particularly in comparison to audio books on CDs. No, I don’t expect the prices to ever fall anywhere near as low as the price of paperbacks, but I’m willing to continue to pay more for the convenience, entertainment, and enjoyment

I recently emailed Stephanie Laurens when I could only find the ABRIDGED (no-no-no) version of her new Cynster series release Where the Heart Leads. I also have been patiently waiting for Recorded Books to re-release Devil’s Bride on CD (it’s currently only available in expensive library edition cassettes) and hoped she would have the 411.

Well, SQUEEE, cause Stephanie Laurens took the time to answer me personally! Regarding the UNABRIDGED version of Where the Heart Leads– “I agree with you entirely over the inadequacies of the abridged version – I do not know why they bother, but apparently libraries prefer them. Seems odd to me, but…

However, the answer to your question is yes – all my works ultimately go to Recorded Books for the unabridged version. Because of the constraints inherent in the system, the unabridged is usually at least 12 months behind the release of the book. I think Recorded Books is behind on a few of the Cynster works, even though they are doing them, and are even further behind on the Bastion Club novels, but again they are coming through. They’re just slow.”

Regarding the re-release of Devil’s Bride on audio CD—“We’ve been nudging them over this – how hard could it be? We’ll keep at them.”

So, bad news for my “I want it NOW” side, but did I mention that Stephanie freakin’ Laurens answered me herself?!!! SQUEE!

ADDED: Couldn’t hurt to email Recorded Books (customerservice(at)recordedbooks(dot)com ) and ask them whether they are planning to re-release Devil’s Bride in a consumer’s edition, can it? I just did.

Now, no mention of audio books would be complete without our Phil Gigante. Last I heard, his prep work is done and he should be in the studio recording Karen Marie Moning’s The Immortal Highlander (release date 20 May 2008). That’s Adam’s story, which is swoon worthy enough, but remember what happens in that one— there are scenes with Adam, Drustan, Dageus, and their wives all in the same room! I have no doubt that Phil is gifted with enough talent to nail those scenes, but I also have no doubt that my autopsy report will read “Death by Eargasm”.

“I remember it feeling odd and very cool to *hear* my books. I think audios are an amazing format–a wonderful variety of storytelling.” –Nora Roberts

Audio books have exploded in popularity. Consequently, more and more Romance books are now regularly offered in audio format– from best sellers to category romances to erotic romances [cue cheers and applause]. But you think selecting a book to READ is complicated? Well, selecting an audio book adds a whole ‘nuther layer of decisions and dilemmas! They ARE worth it, though. So in this three part series, I hope to make audio book procurement a little easier. The first two installments are for all you Aural Pleasure virgins. If you are already an audio book addict, feel free to jump in with your own voice of experience.

Aural Pleasures 101 – “Why” and “Where” to buy Audio Books

I’m addicted to aural pleasures and NEED them when I’m doing the type of work that allows me to set my brain on automatic pilot. I can sometimes take a month or two to finish one audio book because I save it for those “special” mind-numbing, boring tasks that I almost don’t even notice I’m doing if I’m listening to a good audio book. Road trips and commutes become bearable, almost enjoyable, thanks to audio books. If I was one of those creative, crafty people, I’d probably enjoy listening to a good book while making hand-knit willy warmers. My oldest niece, LissaNY, has three little kidlets and can’t spare a minute to read a print book, but she can find time to LISTEN to a book while doing other activities. Of course, for those with vision problems, audio books have always allowed the same escape the rest of us sought with print books.

I wonder whether book discussion groups find that playing audio passages of that month’s book selection adds interest to their discussions. As I’ll discuss in the next two installments, listening to a book in audio format can offer a different perspective to a story. Do any of you belong to a Book Club? Do you play audio books at your meetings?

My niece is lucky– her local library is tech-savvy, so all she has to do is download her choice of audio books then send it to her MP3 player. Most libraries DO have audio books on CD and cassette available, but my local library has a pretty skimpy selection. However, I recently discovered they’ve now signed up with NetLibrary for eBooks and eAudio Books, so I’ll have to investigate that avenue (just as soon as I remember where I put my library card, but don’t tell Wendy I said that, K?). In the meantime, I’m stuck paying for all of mine.

I’ve scored several books on CD and cassette from eBay. You may not always find the latest releases for the best prices there, but if you are trying to collect all the audio books for a favorite series, or you want cassettes instead of CDs, or you are looking for older releases, I highly recommend ebay. Just be sure to follow all the “buyer beware” precautions. And it’s a great place to sell off some of the audio books you no longer want to keep– then you’ll have extra bucks to buy even MORE audio books!

The two most recognizable producers of audio books are Brilliance Audio and Recorded Books. Brilliance sells downloadable audio books through AudioBookStandDL.com or on CD/cassette through AudioBookStand.com, along with Amazon, Borders, etc. Honestly, the download price for a Brilliance audio book is outrageous and makes no sense, so, unless I’m desperate, I buy the CDs. You can hear a sample of many of the audio books (usually an introduction followed by an actual sample) at either AudioBookStandDL.com or AudioBookStand.com. Be sure to sign up for AudioBookStand’s email list because they have regular clearance sales that will allow you to pick up popular audio books on CDs/cassettes for really great prices, and while you’re there, sign up for their reseller’s newsletter to find out about upcoming audio book releases. Amazon will usually have a pre-order sale price on the most popular audio books, and while Borders/Waldens sells them for full list price, a 30% off coupon (just Google “Border’s coupons”) will often get you within a buck or two of Amazon’s pre-order price. That’s it for my local choices in brick and mortar bookstores (I love my Waldens). I know there are other chains and independents out there, but I don’t know if you can do any better with their pricing or not.

If you want to splurge and download your Brilliance audio book from AudioBookStandDL.com, you will first need to download The Overdrive Media Console®, which manages your downloads, playback, and transfers to portable devices or CD.

No matter where you purchase Brilliance CDs, you can listen to them as you would a music CD, upload them to your PC for playback or, once they’ve been uploaded, you can then download them to your MP3 player (theoretically, ’cause I’ve never done it). The CDs are usually divided into 99 tracks, which sounds odd until the first time you need to replay a scene or sentence, then you’ll realize that, without those short tracks, hitting the back track button could send you all the way back to the beginning of the book.

For Recorded Books, the best place I’ve found to score their audio is through Audible.com. In fact, when you purchase a downloadable audio book from Amazon, you are re-directed to Audible (usually member pricing through Audible is a bit better than pricing through Amazon). I have to wonder, though, if Amazon’s recent acquisition of Brilliance Audio will change all that. In addition to Recorded Books selections, Audible also offers audio produced by Harlequin Enterprises, Virgin Books Limited, even A&E Television and many more. The first 5-10 minutes of every audio book can be sampled before buying.

The first thing you will encounter at Audible is their monthly pricing plan– one credit equals one audio book and you pay a minimum of $14.95 per month to download one audio book a month, or $22.95 for two books a month, etc. Well, that’s all fine and dandy if that’s what you want, but you can also do what I do– $9.95 per YEAR gives me the right to purchase any audio book at member pricing, which is significantly below list price. Watch for regular emailed special sales and stock up for even bigger savings.

You’ll first need to download the AudibleManager® software which allows you to download Audible audio to your computer, transfer audio from your computer to your mobile audio player, listen to Audible audio on your PC and manage audio on your mobile audio player. An additional software download is required to burn audio books to CD, and there are others that allow you to download audio books directly to your iPod. It’s all easy-peasy and non-techie (they even use pictures!) and they’ve got live phone support techs that actually know what they’re talking about (although I’ve only had to contact them once). Longer audio books will be downloaded in two or more parts– not a big deal unless you load up your MP3 player to take on a trip and forget to load part 2! [ACK!] Another nice feature at Audible is that you can purchase books on sale and just leave them in your Audible library until you’re ready to download them. In fact, you can re-download them whenever you want. Audible offers a listener rating system of 1-5 stars and listeners can also submit reviews. Gift certificates are available.

Although I’ve never purchased from anywhere else, note that there ARE several other sites that offer audio books for purchase. But whenever I come across one, a quick browse reveals that they don’t offer very extensive Romance sections. Still, it might be worth a Google or two to check them out. You can also buy or rent audio books directly from Recorded Books at bend-over-and-say-ouch prices.

I recently came across a site called On the Go Books which appears to work similar to NetFlix movies. You pay a monthly fee, place audio books on your rental list, and they mail you the next one on your list as soon as you return the previous one. Have any of you used On the Go or a similar service?

I’ve saved the best reason to “read” audio books for last. I don’t have time to do this too often, but sometimes ya just gotta grab a slice of Heaven here on Earth. A nice warm bath, a darkened room, maybe a few candles, and a good audio book. Now lie back, relax, and let the world go away while you soak. Reader Zen, I tell you! (And I find it quite easy to ignore the puppy-dog pleading look on my husband’s face as he repeatedly finds reasons to lurk.) I have the luxury of a whirlpool tub with an in-line heater so the water temp is maintained no matter how long I float away. If you don’t have that luxury, then you’re just going to have to muster enough energy to move your big toe and turn the hot water on every now and then (or you could just summon your personal bath slave). The last time I visited Reader Heaven, I ended up floating away for over 2.5 hours! But I walked (wobbled) out of there feeling as if I’d just spent a week lolling on a beach with not a care in the world. *sigh*

So why/when do you listen to audio books? Where have you obtained them?

Coming up:
Aural Pleasures 102 – “How” to Select an Audio Book - Come share your tips for selection
Aural Pleasures 103 – “What” Audio Books are Recommended - Get ready to share your recommendations

Read more from Bev at Cubie’s Confections.